New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarship Programme
The New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarship helps former refugees and their children study health-related qualifications in New Zealand.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a former refugee or the child of a refugee.
Former refugees include those who came to New Zealand through the:
- UNHCR Quota Programme
- Convention Refugee pathway, or
- Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship Category.
What you can get
Each successful applicant will receive:
- up to NZD$25,000 in course related costs and living expenses.
The scholarship is for 1 academic year.
Funding requirements and reapplying
You must pass all first semester courses to receive second semester funding. You must also submit a report and academic transcript at the end of each semester.
You need to reapply each year to be considered for future funding.
When to apply
- Applications open: 1 July 2026.
- Applications close: 1 October 2026.
How to apply
When the applications have opened you can apply through Universities New Zealand. You will need to:
- complete the application form, and
- upload the required documents through the Community Force platform on the Universities New Zealand website.
New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarship — Universities New Zealand
Assessment criteria
The selection committee will assess each application on the:
- impact of the scholar on refugee health outcomes
- impact of the scholar on the refugee health workforce
- impact of the scholarship to the scholar, and
- likelihood of successfully attaining qualification.
Further information
Attend one of our webinars to ask questions and find out further information.
New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarships Webinar (June)
Thursday, 25 June 2026, 12.00pm to 12.30pm (NZST)
New Zealand Refugee Health Scholarships Webinar (September)
Wednesday, 2 September, 12.00pm to 12.30pm (NZST)
For questions about the scholarship:
nzrefugeehealthscholarships@mbie.govt.nz
For questions about the application process: